SUBJECT: Potential Scam Phone Calls Impersonating Voter Registration Resource
On October 1, 2018, two state election offices reported residents receiving phone calls impersonating an organization that provides voter registration assistance. The callers asked the recipients if they wanted to register to vote or request an absentee ballot over the phone.
These calls raise the possibility of voter confusion or follow-on malicious activity. Those who provide information to the callers will not be registered to vote, potentially causing a large number of unregistered residents to appear at their local polling place on Election Day. Those who requested an absentee ballot may contact local election offices seeking their mailed ballot or report requesting the ballot but not receiving it.
Additionally, voter registration requires residents to provide significant personal information, such as date of birth, physical address, or partial Social Security Numbers. It is unclear at this time if the callers requested the sensitive personal information required for registration. If provided, this information could be used to attempt fraudulent voter registration or conduct financially-motivated identity theft.
The EI-ISAC encourages recipients to share this information with other election offices within your state. If you are aware of any reports of these phone calls occurring in your jurisdiction, please immediately report it to the EI-ISAC SOC at 866-787-4722 or SOC@cisecurity.org.